Enkephalinase and endorphinase inhibitors as anti-craving compositions

摘要

A new class of anti-craving compositions is provided by substances which inhibit breakdown of endogenous substances such as enkephalins and/or endorphins. An anti-alcohol craving effect is observed with an enkephalin breakdown inhibitor. Specifically, D-phenylalanine, DL-phenylalanine, D-leucine, DL-leucine, and hydrocinnamic acid, each an encephalin breakdown inhibitor, significantly lowered alcohol intake in animals and humans. The anti-alcohol desire effect is observed in animals genetically prone to choose alcohol over water solutions.